Due to the remit of UK-German Connection, we are unable to offer direct assistance and advice on going to Germany as an au pair. However, we have put together a number of links to external organisations which might be able to help.

In a nutshell

Au pair placements are usually for young people aged around 18–27. As an au pair, you live with a family, and are expected to work around 30 hours a week, looking after the children and doing some light housework. Au pair placements are usually for a period of at least six months. As an au pair in Germany, you are entitled to free board and lodging in your own room and some weekly pocket money.

Keep in mind that any UK agency you find online should be registered with either the International Au Pair Association (IAPA) or the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

As an au pair, you need to have some basic German language skills before you arrive. If you want to see what level your German is before you apply, you can take an online sample test on the Goethe-Institut website: www.goethe.de